Kuwait Times, Thu, Feb 29, 2024 | Shaban 19, 1445
Egypt Kuwait Holding achieves net profits of $179m; total revenue $801m for 2023
Kuwait:
Egypt Kuwait Holding (EKH)
closed FY2023 with revenues of $801 million, surpassing pre-Ukraine war
historical averages. Profitability remained robust in FY23, with gross profit
reaching $358 million and a 45 percent margin, well above historical averages.
EBITDA recorded $359 million, implying an EBITDA margin of 45 percent, EKH
closed the year with a net profit margin returning to normalized levels at 27
percent. Attributable net income for the year amounted to at $179 million.
On a quarterly basis, EKH reported revenues of 213 million, marking a 6 percent
increase over the previous quarter. This growth was propelled by a 26 percent
increase in NatEnergy’s revenues, translated into USD, and an improvement in
urea prices at AlexFert compared to the lows observed in 1H23. Profitability
remained resilient, ending the quarter with a 43 percent gross profit margin.
EBITDA for the quarter reached 95 million in 4Q23, reflecting an EBITDA margin
of 45 percent, aligning with historical averages. EKH’s net income for the
quarter demonstrated resilience, standing at 50 million in 4Q23, with a net
income margin of 23 percent, consistent with the 24 percent recorded in 3Q23.
Attributable net income for 4Q23 totaled $43 million in 4Q23, exhibiting an 18
percent increase quarter-on-quarter from the $36 million reported in 3Q23.
Commenting on the Group’s performance, EKH Chairman Loay Jassim Al-Kharafi said:
“In the face of formidable global challenges, I am pleased to announce that EKH
has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strong performance throughout 2023.
This success is further bolstered by solid profitability metrics, including a
strong gross profit margin and EBITDA, which have contributed to impressive
revenues for the year. Additionally, this achievement has led to an increased
attributable net income for our shareholders.”
In 2023, EKH strategically invested over $250 million, reinforcing our
commitment to sustained growth and diversification. Our initiatives included
bolstering our product and service portfolio, pursuing opportunities in new
markets, and enhancing vertical integration. Additionally, we increased our
stake in AlexFert to boost export sales and secure higher USD-denominated
revenues.
As we reflect on our accomplishments in 2023, I wish to express sincere
gratitude to Sherif El Zayat, our outgoing CEO, who has been an integral part of
our success over the years. We wish him the best of luck in his future
endeavors. I also wish to welcome Jon Rokk as our new CEO, who was meticulously
selected for his distinguished leadership roles in various multinational
companies across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. With expertise
spanning multiple sectors, including oil & gas, petrochemicals, infrastructure,
and nuclear power, Jon aligns seamlessly with the diverse business areas of EKH
and our ambitions for expansion and growth. Under his leadership, we are
confident that EKH will continue to thrive and reach new heights.
Looking forward, our strategy emphasizes integration, diversification, and
resilience. Specifically, our focus is on expanding exports, enhancing foreign
currency streams, and growing our regional presence to drive growth and add
resilience to our business, aligning with our long-term strategy for
sustainability and enhanced shareholder returns.
In line with our commitment, we are pleased to propose a dividend distribution
of USD six cents per share to our esteemed shareholders at the upcoming general
assembly, supported by our robust operational performance, healthy cash flows,
and a resilient balance sheet,” Al-Kharafi said.
On the Fertilizers front, EKH doubled formica sheets production, inaugurated a
new SNF factory, and launched a state-of-the-art sulfuric acid facility,
contributing to feedstock for the Group’s portfolio products. At AlexFert, EKH
increased ownership to over 75 percent, enhancing USD-denominated revenues.
In the Energy and Energy-Related Segment, NatEnergy’s subsidiaries expanded
installations, connecting over two million households. Meanwhile, at Kahraba,
NatEnergy’s power distribution and generation subsidiary, the company’s
successive investments over the years have increased power generation capacity
to 135 MW, while on the distribution front, capacity has already passed 350 MW
as of 2024, with plans for further expansion to 645 MW by 2030.
At ONS, the company’s strategic plan to optimize reserve management, extend
well-life, and enhance production efficiency has borne fruit. ONS expanded the
concession area by 140 km2, totaling 440 km2. With a USD 70 million capex for
Phase-3B (2023 to Q1 2024), two new wells (ATON1 + KSE2) have been drilled in
the new extension area using WH platforms, ensuring the continuation of the
company’s operational success.
Finally, the significant contributions of Delta Insurance and Mohandes Insurance
teams have played a pivotal role in ensuring the resilient performance of the
companies amidst a challenging operating environment. Additionally, EKH’s
microfinance subsidiary, Bedyati, consistently maintained a robust bottom line.
Furthermore, the management is pleased to highlight the upcoming commencement of
operations at the Nile Wood production facility in 2024, a joint venture with
Homann Holzwerkstoffe GmbH that enhances the group’s strategic positioning.
•The group has invested over $250 million in enhancing our products and services
while seizing promising opportunities in the market.
•We have successfully expanded our operational capacities, maintaining strong
profitability rates, and enhancing the performance of all subsidiaries.
•Our focus remains on diversifying income sources by ramping up exports and
bolstering cash flows in foreign currencies.